America’s Most Beautiful Lake

North America’s largest and most beautiful alpine lake, Lake Tahoe is known equally for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures as it is for its nightlife, parties and entertainment. With around-the-clock action and jaw-dropping vistas at every corner, Tahoe is an RTX exchange destination like no other. World-class skiing and snowboarding is plentiful around Lake Tahoe in the winter, but as the spring sun melts the snow and warms the waters, visitors are rewarded with a vacation destination perfect for any season. With plenty of water sports and other outdoor adventures as well as boutique shopping, sensational dining and vibrant nightlife at clubs and casinos, a Tahoe vacation is a perfect retreat any time of year. Special events like outdoor concerts, movies and plays make the most of the mild summer weather, while luxury spas will keep you pampered from the moment you arrive making it the perfect destination for your next RTX exchange no matter what time of year you visit.

Where to stay

Located in South Lake Tahoe, the Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort is in the heart of all the action. Walk out the door and find yourself lakeside, surrounded by restaurants and only a 1.2-mile drive to the casinos. All of the rustic rooms, ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites, offer microwaves, mini-fridges and coffee makers, plus stove tops, flat-screens and Wi-Fi. Suites include fireplaces and full kitchens, as well as sofa beds and laundry facilities. Other amenities include a spa, a gym and an outdoor barbecue area, as well as lake access and a game room.

Another great exchange option is the Tahoe Seasons Resort also located in South Lake Tahoe. Resting at the base of Tahoe’s largest ski resort, Heavenly Mountain, the resort is perfect for quick access to the slopes. Suites include Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, coffee makers, mini-fridges, microwaves, whirlpool tubs and sofa beds. There’s a cafe, pub and piano lounge on site, an outdoor heated pool and hot tub and a rooftop tennis court and shuffleboard.

Outdoor Adventure

Staying active and finding adventure in Lake Tahoe is easy. Whether you love to play on or in the water or if you prefer to explore the majestic wilderness of the Sierra Nevada Mountains this place has it all. At 22 miles long, 12 miles wide and an average depth of 1,000 feet, Lake Tahoe has plenty of room to play. Head to Ski Run Marina or Keys Marina on the south shore and rent a boat or Jet Ski and spend the day zipping across the crystal clear blue waters. Those looking for a more relaxed lake experience can learn the history of the area while taking in the scenery on the lake’s only authentic Mississippi paddlewheeler the Tahoe Queen.

Lake Tahoe is not just a playground for water lovers; the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains are as equally impressive when it comes to adventure. A bike friendly region, there are countless options for renting a bike to take a casual ride on the many paths that meander along the lake’s edge and into the local forest. Mountain bikers have a large selection of legendary trails to choose from, like the heart-pounding downhill single track of the Saxon Creek Trail or the gorgeous ridge run of the Flume Trail.

Lake Tahoe also has an extensive network of backcountry hiking trails that explore flower-filled alpine meadows, glacier-carved granite slopes and hidden waterfalls. A moderate 20 minute hike, Eagle Falls is easily accessible and rewards you with views of Emerald Bay along with 60 and 90 foot cascading waterfalls. Another must-see is Cascade Creek Falls, a 1 mile uphill climb to a rock outcropping that yields far-stretching views of the western mountains and falls.

While Lake Tahoe provides some great fishing opportunities for anglers, it’s the smaller lakes and tributaries that run into Big Blue that really get anglers excited. Large populations of mackinaw, brown and rainbow trout as well as kokanee salmon provide amazing fly fishing. Contact Gilligan’s Guide Service in Truckee and spend an unforgettable day fishing one of the region’s best, the Truckee River.

With more than 19 golf courses in the area golf enthusiasts are sure to find the perfect round of 18. In North Tahoe tee off at Old Greenwood, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Designed Course. The 600 acre course is set amongst towering pines and surrounded by mountain views at every turn. In South Tahoe stop by the famous Edgewood Tahoe Course. Home to the Annual American Century Championship, the Masters of celebrity golf tournaments, Edgewood is constantly listed as one of the best public courses in the country.

An all-season destination, Lake Tahoe thrives throughout the year but really comes to life in the winter as it is considered the premier ski destination in North America. Seventeen resorts benefit from an average annual snowfall of 40 feet along with 300 days of sunshine. Whether you love downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing or snow shoeing the perfect run awaits.

Entertainment

From the chic dance clubs and local bars to the all-night casinos and world-class performances, Lake Tahoe is brimming with entertainment options.

Gamblers will want to head to Stateline, Nevada, on the south shore where the area’s five largest casinos are located. The casinos here have a more relaxed atmosphere and less glitzy feel than Las Vegas casinos, but still feature all of the traditional games including slots, roulette, poker, craps and more. Start with a visit to the area’s first casino, Harveys Lake Tahoe. Sitting waterside, Harveys has more than 900 slots, the most of anyone on the lake. Also on site is Harveys Outdoor Arena, the largest concert venue in Lake Tahoe. The only thing that can compete with the epic views are the stars on stage. Recent performers include Elton John, Dave Matthews Band, Aerosmith and country mega-stars Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney. Those looking to hang with the locals should check out Lakeside Inn and Casino or the chill vibe at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Both feature a more low-key atmosphere with smaller and more local live acts. Casino goers on the hunt for the ultimate party experience will love the newest addition to the scene, MontBleu. The largest game floor in the region at 40,000 square feet MontBleu is the closest to a true Vegas experience with the most popular table games, slots, a poker room and high-energy race and sports book. The casino also has six restaurants and bars to keep you fueled throughout the night.

If you’re not into gambling but love the nightlife there are more than enough options to keep you out late, from pulsating dance clubs to vibrant local bars with a rustic feel. Find your second wind after a long day on the slopes with an exciting night of after-hours dancing. Vex at Harrah’s and Opal at MontBleu keep the energy high with the latest in lighting technology and the best DJ lineups around. If you’re feeling really young at heart check out the Unbuckle Apres party at the Tamarack Lodge at Heavenly Mountain.

More casual late nights can be had hanging out with locals and seasoned regulars at the many bars around the lake. Start with a visit to the Genoa Bar in Genoa, Nevada. Serving since 1863, the bar has been graced by the presence of classic Hollywood legends like Raquel Welch, Clark Gable and Johnny Cash. For a little more grunge feel, bars like Pete n’ Peter’s in Tahoe City and Bar of America in Truckee are great for cheap beer, shooting darts and playing pool while enjoying local live music.

In South Lake Tahoe swing by Whiskey Dick’s, one of the original dive bars frequented by locals and tourists. The bar has more than 100 beers and specialty drinks available and has darts, pool and shuffleboard to keep patrons occupied. Weekends feature live bands from a variety of genres, from alternative and rock to bluegrass. Just down the road from Whiskey Dick’s, The Cold Water Brewery pumps out delicious hand-crafted beers all brewed on site. Pull up a stool and enjoy a cold pint or get a flight and sample some of their best like the Cold Water Amber, Mr. Toad’s Wild Rye, Preacher’s Pale Ale and Hall of Gods Porter.

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